TOWN OF ULSTER – A Newburgh
man has been indicted on charges that he committed criminal sexual acts
against a female resident in his care when he was employed at Gateway
Community Industries in the Town of Ulster.
Richard Phillips, 63, was arraigned in Ulster County Court on four counts
of criminal sexual act and one count of endangering the welfare of an
incompetent or physically disabled person, both as felonies, and three
misdemeanor counts of sexual abuse.
Phillips, who was fired from his job as a residential counselor, was released
after posting $7,500 bail.
The charges stem from incidents in which Phillips, allegedly engaged in
oral sexual conduct with a person who was unable to consent due to her
mental condition.
Regardless of a victim’s condition, under state law sexual contact
between an employee and a resident at a facility licensed or certified
by the state Office of Mental Health is a crime. Gateway is certified
by the state Office of Mental Health.
The state Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs
announced the indictment of Phillips following an investigation by the
state agency.
